Kenya, Senegal sign landmark visa-free travel deal to deepen bilateral cooperation

President William Ruto with his Senegalese counterpart Diomaye Faye with their ministers during a meeting at State House on October 21, 2025/PCS

Kenya and Senegal have signed a historic bilateral agreement that will allow citizens of both countries to travel to either countries without visa restrictions.

The agreement, signed Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, between Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, and Senegal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Niang now marks a new chapter in diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations.

President William Ruto and his Senegalese counterpart Bassirou Diomaye Faye who is in the country on an official visit witnessed the signing of the agreement.

Under the new framework, citizens holding either diplomatic or ordinary passports will be able to enter, stay, and transit through either country without a visa for a period not exceeding 90 days.

Speaking during a joint media briefing, the two Heads of State hailed the visa waiver as a milestone that will strengthen ties between their people.

“This is a milestone that will foster people-to-people ties, boost tourism, trade and collaboration,” said Ruto.

During their discussions, the two also reviewed a broad range of bilateral, regional and continental matters.

Ruto said they reaffirmed their joint commitment to closer collaboration in trade, peace and security, energy, sports, and multilateral affairs.

“This important milestone will foster stronger people-to-people ties and boost tourism, trade, and collaboration between our nations,” he said.

President Ruto noted that the two countries share common aspirations under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), both of which aim to drive industrialization, integration, and sustainable growth across the continent.

As part of efforts to deepen ties, he announced that Kenya is ready to host the inaugural session of the Joint Cooperation Commission (JCC) in the second half of 2026.

“The JCC will serve as a platform to monitor, review, and expand bilateral engagement across various sectors, including energy, trade, and sports,” he said.

On economic cooperation, both leaders acknowledged that current trade volumes between Kenya and Senegal remain low.

Ruto also welcomed Senegal’s support as Kenya prepares to co-host the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) 2027.

He said Kenya looks forward to learning from Senegal’s experience in organising successful continental tournaments and building sports infrastructure.

The two countries will also explore joint youth and sports initiatives, including exchange programmes for coaches and athletes and the establishment of regional training camps.

In the energy and blue economy sectors, the two leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in port development, fisheries, maritime governance, and ocean transportation.

They also discussed potential partnerships in petroleum exploration and production to enhance energy security and economic resilience.

On peace and security, Presidents Ruto and Faye reaffirmed their commitment to collaborate on regional conflict resolution and counterterrorism, emphasising that lasting peace is essential for Africa’s socio-economic progress.

Both leaders further pledged to support African Union institutional reforms, ensuring that the AU becomes more effective in advancing the continent’s shared vision under Agenda 2063.

The two presidents also underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, pledging to jointly advocate for fair representation at the United Nations and to support shared positions on global issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and global governance.

The signing of the visa waiver agreement is set to cement a growing partnership between Nairobi and Dakar, one rooted in mutual respect, Pan-African solidarity, and a shared vision for a united, prosperous, and interconnected Africa.